Festivals

In case you missed it, and also by request from some of my guests, these are my exhibits that I presented at the 39th Edgewood Heritage Festival, November 14th, 2015.

They are all framed and ready to hang in various dimension, but also available in customized size if requested. Most of them are local, taken in Edgewood and surrounding areas. One of the exhibits was taken in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. Thank you to all who had come and enjoyed my work. See you again soon, hopefully!

For the fourth time, I will be a part of the Edgewood Heritage Festival which will be held this coming Saturday, November 14th, 2015, 9AM – 4PM, in downtown Edgewood, Tx. What makes this festival very special is that it is nested right inside the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas that comprises of 22 historic buildings, fully restored and furnished. You will feel like you step back in time to the year of early 1900’s in a rural village of East Texas. The hosts, who are the members and volunteers of the Heritage Park Museum board, will dress in the period costumes. The main streets of the old downtown Edgewood will be covered with classic cars, antique tractors, and old engines. Not to mention the heritage entertainment brought by children of Edgewood, such as Cotton-Eyed Joe dance, and many others! It truly looks like the time when the cotton was booming in Edgewood and the farmer took their harvest to weigh and sell. You’ve got to come and see it for yourself! And visit my booth at The Section House, by the Murchison Train Depot! I will be presenting my latest photography works and new sets of note cards and small prints. See you there!

We are not too far from having these indulgence all over again. Spring is just around the corner. It’s peeking and waiting patiently for this wintry weather to pass. Soon the spring blossoms will take over. Daffodils have already started it. Azalea and dogwood will follow soon. This is Nacogdoches azalea trail which claims to be the largest azalea garden in Texas. La Nana Creek is the dividing line between the Stephen F. Austin Mast Arboretum and Ruby M. Mize azalea garden where these photographs were taken last year. See them for yourself!

The Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church in Edgewood, Tx., where I am a member, celebrated its 135th anniversary this year. The theme “A Legacy of Faith” was chosen for this celebration. The past members and pastors were invited to rejoice with current members and we call it a Homecoming Celebration. I am honored to be one of the planning team members and help with the artwork / press release / publications. History background and the United Methodist Church’s logo (the flame and cross) were the concept used to do the artwork. The works begun in February 2014. First, the anniversary logo was created and it depicts the front view of the church entryway to the sanctuary, with an open door. The cross and flame double-functions as the “T” in Cheatham. The Texas Historical Marker’s icon that the church received in 1982, was also included. The logo was used for any church communications regarding the event.

The more colorful design was to be used as teaser, advertisements, invitations, reminders, etc., as the church built the momentum towards the big day in October 2014 (six months planning period). For this, the colorful play of the flame was applied. The initial design suggested that each flame would represent the ministries of the church.

The church, which was born in 1879, has rich historical background. The congregations have been worshiping in 5 buildings in its 135 years course. The first two buildings served both Methodist church and Edgewood school. The church and school separated in 1897. The latter three church buildings were then incorporated into the design to commemorate this incredible heritage. The initial hand sketches are shown below. The top-left is the Church in the Wildwood (1897-1923) – the insert on top-right is the second version that was eventually being used in the artworks; the top-middle is the first church brick building (1923-1953); and the current church brick building (1953-now) is depicted in the middle. The bottom sketch is one of my draft sketches for logo idea.

These three-church sketches and the flame-and-cross icon were combined in the following works which were dispersed in the forms of postcards, bulletin, also electronic copies. During the discussions with the planning team, the idea “the church is the people” was suggested. I kept that in mind and the opportunity to express that came through the cover of A Legacy of Faith, an illustrated history book which was published to commemorate the anniversary. See it at A Legacy of Faith.

Facebook cover page.

Outdoor banners, 2×5 feet.

Indoor banner, 3×8 feet.

Bulletin covers and name tag for the two main events maintained the visual identity.

A simpler black and white design, with orange flame, was applied for souvenirs such as cotton tote bag, decals. The color was inverted for the chosen black t-shirts.

Once again, I had the honor to do the branding for the 38th Annual Edgewood Heritage Festival, in Edgewood, Tx. From Facebook cover page, rack card, window flyer, print and electronic advertisement for several publications, to t-shirt and poster. The Blacksmith Shop was chosen as the annual collectible ornament so it is used in the artworks.

This is a graphic design work that I did for Texas Booth at the Edgewood Heritage Festival 2013, which carries homemade jams and jellies and handcrafted Christmas ornaments. This was used for e-promotion through the festival’s Facebook page.

homecoming |ˈhōmˌkəmiNG|
noun
an instance of returning home.
• a high school, college, or university game, dance, or other event to which alumni are invited.

*

parade|pəˈrād|
noun
a public procession, esp. one celebrating a special day or event and including marching bands and floats.

*

bulldog|ˈbo͝olˌdôg|
noun
a dog of a sturdy smooth-haired breed with a large head and powerful protruding lower jaw, a flat wrinkled face, and a broad chest.
bulldog
• a person noted for courageous or stubborn tenacity: [ as modifier ] : the bulldog spirit.

*

garter|ˈgärtər|
noun1) a band worn around the leg to keep up a stocking or sock.
• a band worn on the arm to keep a shirtsleeve up.
• a suspender for a sock or stocking.
2) ( the Garter ) short for Order of the Garter.
• the badge or membership of this order

I have given the honor by the Edgewood Historical Society to design the artwork for the 37th Edgewood Heritage Festival this year. A sketch of The 1927 Myrtle Spring School done by a talented local artist, Paige Bridges, is used as the main focus. The picture of the two kids holding hands were taken during 2009 festival. They were getting ready for a street dance performance together with their peers from the local school during this fun event.

The festival celebrates the legacy, traditions, and customs of rural life in East Texas around late 1800s and early 1900s. What makes this festival very special and worth visiting is that the event is held in the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas that houses about 21 authentically restored and furnished historical buildings depicting a rural village in Van Zandt County in its early development. The buildings are well maintained and furnished, the ground beautifully manicured. All the buildings will be opened for tours with docents ready to tell the visitors the history of each one.

Special vintage craft demonstration are always a big part of the heritage festival. The East Texas Blacksmith Association will operate the old blacksmith shop in the village and many will bring their vintage anvils to show off their skills. The antique printing presses will be running in the restored print shop and the making of lye soap at the log smoke house will be popular spots. The restored train depot will be the destination of model train enthusiast as an extensive exhibit of trains will be operating in the freight room. A Knife and Tomahawk Throwers group will make their debut in this festival this year and demonstrate their skill and may let the visitors experience it, too.

A talent show on the main stage will offer a variety of entertainment while a dog show around the gazebo in the log village and -for the first time this yea- a DOG PARADE, will be a highlight for canine lovers. The 20th Pinto Bean Cook-off is on tap and competent beaners offer their best talents in preparing this Van Zandt County gourmet treat. These contests feature prizes to be awarded.

In addition to the popular Classic Car Show on the streets of downtown Edgewood, the third annual antique Tractor Show will attract collectors from a wide area. Each of these shows award many prizes to the participants. The Heritage Quilt Show will take place in the Edgewood Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One of the highlights of the day will be Sparky Sparks, “The King of Armadillo Racing”, and his famous Texas Armadillos. This must-see event will begin around 10 a.m. and will end with a ‘celebrity’ race featuring three of Van Zandt County’s well-known citizens.

Vendors Ally offers the visitors a shopping spree to remember. There will be a children’s playground area with rides, a food court featuring a variety of culinary treats and the Heritage Bake Sale will be held in the restored Gilliam Gas Station.

The festival is possible through many generous sponsors throughout the area. Net proceeds from the festival go to the future development and maintenance of Heritage Park Museum of East Texas.

Mark your calendar for the 37th Edgewood Heritage Festival:

Saturday, November 9th, 2013, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Live acoustic music will be offered throughout the day.

At the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas, downtown Edgewood, Texas (50 miles east of Dallas, 50 miles west of Tyler, on US Hwy 80)

Twenty-five authors from all over the Upper East Side of Texas and a couple of “outsiders” will share their books and writing experiences at the Ben Wheeler Book Fair on December 8 as part of the Second Saturday 279 Art Jam.

Authors will sell, sign, and talk about their books and the writing and publishing processes. It’s free to attend, and it’s from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the historic and beautifully restored Elwood School House, 5475 FM 858 in downtown Ben Wheeler.

Book fair sponsors are the Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation, County Line Magazine, and Half Price Books.

Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, was created by Brooks and Rese Gremmels to serve as the vehicle for reconstructing not only the physical aspects of Ben Wheeler and returning a sense of community to the town by providing it with various outlets through music, art, history, education, entrepreneurship, basic civil service, and philanthropy. Its Elwood School House also hosts the Ben Wheeler Children’s Library, which provides free books for children.

County Line Magazine celebrates, presents, informs, and entertains the unique territory of the “Upper East Side of Texas,” focusing on the best people, places, culture, food, art, music, and entertainment, both in print and online, that enhances the Northeast Texas experience. Special editions provide in-depth coverage of the annual Best of the Upper East Side of Texas, Home & Garden, The Arts, Summer Fun Guide, and Farm to Market.

Half Price Books is the nation’s largest family-owned new and used bookstore chain, with 115 retail locations in 16 states. The chain launched its Million Book Donation Project in 2012 in honor of its 40th anniversary and has donated books to schools and non-profit organizations throughout the country. In addition, Half Price Books hosts its Half Pint Library book drive each year to collect and distribute children’s books to those in need.

The book fair is scheduled in conjunction with the Second Saturday 279 Art Jam that spreads along Hwy 279 from Ben Wheeler to Edom and beyond. All of the galleries and other shops and restaurants will be open, and there will be live music in both towns.

Headliners:
Joe Lansdale, Nacogdoches: horror, crime, mystery, western, science fiction
Joe Nick Patoski, Wimberley: The Dallas Cowboys: The Outrageous History of the Biggest, Loudest, Most Hated, Best Loved Football Team in America; and other Texas-related books

Rains County Founder’s Day Festival, May 5th, 2012
The festival is celebrating the heritage and pioneer spirit of Rains County. This year’s festival coincides with Cinco de Mayo. This post covers the Founder’s Day Parade in front of Rains County Courthouse, Ford Model A Car Show, Tonantsi Dance by Rains High School Spanish Club, and Radio Control Airplane demonstration.

“East Texas was noted for fiddlers from the time of Sam Houston and Dave Crockett. Every house raising, log rolling, quilting bee and corn husking was followed by a night of dancing, the square, waltz and the schottische till dawn. Fiddlers were in demand and plentiful. Every young swain had to learn to play for the popularity and a small amount of cash.” – Excerpted from Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion’s website.

The 81st edition of Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion was held on May 25th, 2012. It took place all day at Henderson County Courthouse yard in downtown Athens. A fairground was also set up across the courthouse.

Ms. Pearl Cantrell, playing her ukulele, accompanied by daughter, Malia Cantrell, from Seven Points, Tx. Ms. Pearl Cantrell has brought Hawaiian music programs as a visiting instructor to Kemp Primary students two years in a row.

Van Zandt County Balloon Festival was held last weekend (May 19th, 2012) at Tailwind Airpark in Canton, Texas. About a dozen hot-air balloons participated and specked the sky over Canton with colorful bubbles early Saturday, and also Sunday, morning. Airplane flying demonstrations entertained the crowds during the day until it’s time for balloon glows near sunset. Everybody seemed to have tons of fun in this event. The sight of giant glowing bubbles and the sound of hot air being blown into the balloons, plus children screaming of excitement, left me with happy feeling. I am looking forward to next year’s Van Zandt County Balloon Festival!

This is the second part of my posting on Edgewood Heritage Festival. This part covers the festival activities that took place in Edgewood Heritage Park area, in 2009 and some 2011. The Heritage Park is founded in 1976 by Edgewood Historical Society. It represents the rural life in Van Zandt County around 1900. The very nicely restored and furnished structures are divided in two main blocks. The first block, located just across Edgewood Post Office, contains old log cabin, barn, barber shop, printing house, cafe, general store, and band stand. The second block, separated by a small road from the first block, an old school, church, gas station, carriage house, and train station. For more detail insight, please visit Edgewood Heritage Park Museum.

The beautiful park, local artisan exhibits and reenactments, senior and children dance session, gorgeous weather, music performances, filled the air with such a lively and happy atmosphere and really took me back to the 1900 Texas rural life.

On the second Saturday of Novembers, the annual Edgewood Heritage Festival takes place. The lively festival spreads around the main blocks of the old downtown and in the Heritage Park outdoor museum. Among the attractions are classic car and old tractor show, quilt show, live music, and a lot of others. The festival is so rich with history and we can feel how the community comes together, participates, and enjoys this festival. For that reason I split the coverage on two different posts. This post covers the festival -in 2009 and 2011- around the block of downtown Edgewood, and the next post the Heritage Park.